A number of years ago, our friend, author, and fellow descendant Tom McMillan was our guest speaker for our “Wheatfield Tribute” ceremony…in his remarks as he stood feet away from the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry monument, Tom stated “I believe the Veterans of the 62nd would be quite shocked and surprised to see that after all of these years, we are still gathering in this place to remember them and what they did here”…

And once again, we gathered around the tall granite shaft, where on July 2, 1863, the men of the 62nd found themselves nearly surrounded on three sides as the battle ebbed and flowed in Rose’s Wheatfield…symbolically, we intentionally surrounded the monument with descendants, families, and friends on a rare “comfortable” July 3, 2021…

At a few minutes after 10:00 AM, the tribute started, as the men, women and children of the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Living History Family [62ND PVI LHF] approached the monument site, led by descendants Gordon “Gordy” Sheaffer [2nd Lt. Jefferson Truitt], and myself, Robert “Slim” Bowser [1st Sgt. & Reverend Daniel W. Swigart]…once assembled, I welcomed the audience, and led everyone in prayer, followed by a few remarks about the significance of the day, the importance of remembrance, and a brief history of the regiment and its contribution to the great Battle of Gettysburg…this included comments about the “Colors”–the flags and guidons which were crucial to troop movements, and were priceless treasures to the men who fought and died under them…with the story of the 62nd and 4th Michigan’s fight for their flags in the Wheatfield being the feature article in the August issue of “The Civil War Times”, it seemed appropriate to make it a part of our tribute…

I then introduced Gordy Sheaffer, the founder of the living history group in 1994…Gordy continued the discussion about the flags, relating the experiences of Lt. Truitt, though not a part of the Color detail, grabbing the flag and saving it from being lost at the Battle of Malvern Hill…

Following Gordy’s remarks, 62nd PVI LHF member Cindy McShane, in her portrayal of Marie Tepe’, read from General Joshua L. Chamberlain’s post war “In great deeds” speech…quite the proper words for the occasion, eloquently read by Marie…

And, as if guided by providence, our final speaker, followed with the final paragraphs of Chamberlain’s memorable speech…we were extremely honored to have Col. Tom Vossler, {retired Vietnam combat Veteran, retired Licensed Battlefield Guide, author of books about the Gettysburg and Antietam battlefield, as well as his new release “BATTLE TESTED” [Gettysburg Leadership Lessons For 21st Century Leaders], and a dear friend and fellow “Wheatfield descendant”} as our guest speaker…when you tour the field with Col. Tom, you get a perspective of one who is “battle tested”, and who can make you feel like you were there!…so to have Tom speak for our ceremony was a special treat for everyone present…

To make the presentation of the “Wheat”, Col. Vossler was joined by SSGT Christopher Bargerstock, [active military], and his father Dwight, also a retired Vietnam Veteran…Chris and Dwight are descendants of Private Henry Bargerstock, who served in Co.D, along with Truitt and Swigart…

In a very humbling and emotional moment, three modern men of valor joined me in placing the Wheat tribute at the base of the monument to the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, whose service and sacrifice in that field must never be forgotten…May God Bless them All!

As we rendered our salute, 62nd Bugler Brian Wolfe filled the valley with the solemn notes of “Taps”…

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the opportunity was given for all descendants present to step forward to introduce themselves, and to mention their ancestors’ names…I am told that as each name was mentioned, the wind lifted the regimental flag as if to say “we are grateful that you remember us still”…

In conclusion, I have said this before, and I must repeat it here again: It never ceases to amaze me, and humble me further, that of all of those who witness our ceremony and our living history events, it is the active military members and retired Veterans who are the first to express their appreciation to us…we do not take this lightly…God bless!

**The photos used in this post were taken by Van Cornish, with the exception of “The Wheat” and “Major Lowry’s Grave” by Slim Bowser, and “Wheatfield Tribute Group Photo” by Ted Chamberlain…

*******************************************************************************************